Namaskar,
Back in the Mahabharat era, Karna suffered a life of ignominy and disrepute because of his birth.

According to the Hindu code, Karna’s birth was a sin. In that era of old, giving birth out of wedlock was one of the worst and most unworthy things a lady could do. While in Ananda Marga we also do not appreciate pre-marital relations etc, but we will do not punish or blackball the child. But in that era of old they did like that. Giving birth without having a husband, giving birth to a baby who has no father was a veritable sin. And both mother and baby were ostracized. Such was the social code of the day. Thus Karna was stigmatized his entire life and looked upon as untouchable, or stained.

“Karna also was not permitted to ascend the throne because he was born before marriage, but what wrong did he do?” (1)

So Baba does not give any credence to the idea that the innocent baby should be blamed. Baba wholly rejects the idea that Karna was a black-spot and should therefore have lived a life of disrepute. Rather, on the point of his existential quality, Baba has given maximum respect to Karna. Baba’s viewpoint is that no blame or disrespect is to be attached with the baby who was born out of wedlock.

EVERY CHILD SHOULD BE EMBRACED BY SOCIETY

In Ananda Marga, we have learned this lesson: Regardless of their birth, every child should have equal opportunity to live a reputable life. There is no reason for anyone to suffer due to the circumstances surrounding their birth like Karna had to do. That is Baba’s teaching.

So this is one point about the abortion issue: Namely there is no reason to abort a pregnancy because the baby, born out of wedlock, will not be welcomed by the society. Baba has clearly told that there is no scope for this. All children should be looked upon with love and affection by the whole society and assured a bright future.

MUST NOT OBJECTIFY WOMEN

We should bear in mind that this entire issue is not limited to being a woman’s issue, but a societal one. At present throughout the world, women are commonly looked upon as objects of male gratification. Advertisements, fashion, and the overall social climate point to females as being sexual objects. That makes them targets of attacks by men. When not aptly channelized, the glandular system of men keeps them always under the spell of sexual allurement, whereas a woman’s desire goes in cycles.

If females are consistently displayed in a way that peak men’s interest, they will be more prone to attacks. Hence, great steps need to be taken to protect women. Secondly, men need to be educated and taught from a young age that they are to respect women as dignified members of society. The sooner such societal norms are established, then the whole problem causing females to want to have an abortion will be essentially eliminated.

This is an important aspect of the issue. Let’s now continue with the idea of using abortion as a tool to distance women from emotional scarring.

WHY PEOPLE ABORT:

CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

Here are some of the common reasons why people opt for abortion in the present-day materialistic society, as well as how these isssues will be solved in a Proutistic social order.

(a) Poverty: Nowadays, some opt for abortions due to financial pressures and economic constraints. The solution is that in a neo-humanistic society, the caring and rearing of child is society’s responsibility.

(b) Career Aims: Nowadays, many involve 50 – 60 hrs per week in their career to gain prestige, status, financial wealth. When both male and female engage in this way, there is no time or desire to have children. The solution is that in a neo-humanistic society, people will not define themselves by their career, and they will not have to work as much. Hence there will be time and mental space for society building, i.e. rearing and raising children.

(c) Sex is for Enjoyment: In materialistic communities, sexual gratification is viewed as the be-all of life and the key to happiness. In that situation, there are bound to be a high number of unwanted pregnancies because people were only maintaining sexual relations for animlaistic pleasure. The solution is that in a neo-humanistic social order where people are encouraged to engage in higher pursuits and realise spiritual bliss, then sex for enjoyment becomes a non-issue.

(d) Gender Bias: In certain countries there is tremendous preference to give birth to boys, not girls. This leads to a certain number of abortions each year. In the neo-humanistic social order, there will be gender equality and hence there will not be a bias for girls of boys. Every child will be welcomed, irrespective of their gender.

(e) Cohabitation: In this materialistic era, males and females co-habitate and mix freely, causing unwanted pregnancies etc. In a neo-humanistic social order, only those who are married will co-habitate.

(f) Autism / Birth Defects: In materialistic societies, there are no restrictions on who can produce children. When unfit couples find their unborn child has a brain problem or deficiency, they may opt to abort the pregnancy. In a neo-humanistic social order, there is a keen watch that only those of a proper standard have the opportunity and right to bear children.

ONLY POSSIBLE WHEN…

The ideals expressed in this letter – i.e. that there not be any abortions – cannot come to fruition in isolation. To achieve this end, so many Proutistic and neo-humanistic principles need to be implemented: Life is not for carnal desires, sex is not a tool for happiness, no use of intoxicants, proper diet and dealing, no free mixing of the sexes, no pseudo-culture / sensual movies etc, and other approaches. Only when these ideals are established, and spirituality is embraced, will the views expressed herein take manifestation on the collective level.

Those who are pessimists say that, “It will never happen.” However, right-minded persons can easily understand that when the seed is planted naturally it will sprout. Who could think that inter-caste marriages will occur in India, or that women will gain the right to vote, or that a woman will become a head of state, or that cigarette smoking in an office will be banned in the US, or so many things that are occurring nowadays. Positive changes are taking firm hold fast. This will naturally occur with abortion as well. Thus, on the collective level it may take some time but it is doing to come.

Those who are sincere Ananda Margiis – i.e. those not drowned in pseudo-culture – can realise this and bring this into their own life practice immediately. This letter is about practicing this point first on the individual level.

There is not question of trying to forcibly impose a no-abortion rule on the entire society. First, a tremendous amount of education is needed. Only then will the grip of pseudo-culture on society be loosened. Invariably, though people will understand the futility of materialism and aim for something higher. Then all the ideals expressed in this letter will surely take shape.

So no pessimistic-minded person should sit back and wonder how this will never happen. It will happen. Just as today, people think how those primitive humans followed so many dogmas because they were not aware, similarly in the next era, people will certainly joke about the materialistic ways of this present era. Changes are happening fast, and we should all be ready to usher in that new era.

To implement the lofty ideals of neo-humanism and create an abortion-free society, we must follow the various do’s and don’ts of Ananda Marga conduct rules. Then abortion will become a thing of the past.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

In today’s world, abortion is an often misunderstood issue, especially among materialistic-minded liberals. As Ananda Margiis we must not be influenced by the various groups arguing one way or another on the issue.

We are to take a step back and see the big picture and apply the golden teachings of Ananda Marga ideology. We should embrace the mother and child as victims and give the child scope to lead an honourable life. The innocent child’s life must not be aborted. In our human family there is no scope for abortions, regardless of the circumstance. Each and every human life is invaluable and sacred and cannot be tossed aside or killed unjustly, as abortions do.

There is only one circumstance wherein abortion is permissible & morally acceptable. If the pregnant mother’s life is in danger – and if a team of doctors fully agree that both the mother and baby cannot survive – then an abortion may be performed to save the mother’s life. That is the only instance when abortion can be condoned: Only to save another life. In all other circumstances, the baby’s life should be saved and cherished and the mother given proper standing in society.

OUR DUTY TO SOCIETY

In Ananda Marga, Baba wants us to be the leaders, on the cutting-edge, of every issue. We should never fall prey to social stigmas or dogmas. We are to be the harbingers in leading the society forward.

That means on all social issues, like abortion, we should guide the society toward a proper and dharmic understanding. We should establish new norms based on neo-humanism that serve the society well.

In Ananda Marga, everyone understands that our motto is ‘live and let live’ and that we do not support abortion. This is the general rule and most follow this.

Yet, there remains certain key circumstances that need clarification. And that is what this letter aimed to address.

Here are some of Baba’s related teachings on this topic.

ACARYA GUIDELINE: LIFE STARTS IN THE WOMB

In the ‘Pranayama’ chapter of our Acarya Diary, Baba describes the process of breathing and how it relates with life and death.

Baba tells how death occurs on the exhale and life begins on an inhale.

Now here comes the critical point: Baba tells that when an old person dies upon their final exhalation, then their next inhalation occurs when their next life begins as an embryo in the mother’s womb. That is Baba’s direct guideline.

The key point then is that Baba is clearly defining that life begins inside the mothers womb. That developing embryo, that unborn babe, is indeed alive. That human embryo is a living, breathing being.

In that case, we have no right to curtail or destroy the life of that unborn child, irregardless of the circumstances.

So every abortion is a direct contravention of Baba’s divine teaching.

ABORTION IS A HEINOUS CRIME, NAY A SIN

No matter what the doctors may say, no matter what the social workers may say, no matter what the judges in the court may say, each and every abortion is a violation of cardinal human values. To abort a baby is to
commit a sin.

“If the violation is in the spiritual code, rather the religious code, it is termed as ‘sin’. If the violation is against the legal code it is known as ‘crime’.” (2)

If one breaks the law, one may be able to hide from the sheriff, the police, and the courts etc, but when one commits a sin, a distinct samskara is formed, and one can never escape. It is impossible.

“You are free to act, but you are bound to undergo the reaction. The moment you do an act you acquire the possibility of its reaction. Simultaneously with the performance of an act is being done, the seed for its reaction is also sown and its consequences have to be undergone. There is no escape from it. It is not within your right to get rid of it or to escape its fruits and consequences.” (3)

So there is no escape for those who are involved in aborting babes. The termination of that human life carries a dark samskara. It is the equivalent of murder and one will have to undergo that reaction. There
is no alternative.

“THEIR FUTURE IS SEALED FOREVER”

Aborting the life of an innocent child is directly contrary to Baba’s below teaching.

“Everybody should be given the chance, or circumstances should be created, such that nobody gets the scope to feel their future is sealed forever, is blocked. So let everyone feel that everybody in this expressed universe belongs to the same big human family.” (4)

Here again Baba reminds us to watch over those in need, like a defenseless child.

“Help the weak and the helpless in all possible ways.” (5)

Baba’s next teaching states that the child in the womb treasures their own life and does not wish to be killed prematurely by an abortion.

“Have mercy on all living beings.”

Pra’n’a’h yatha’tmano…

“Just as your life is extremely dear to you, similarly the lives of others are equally dear to them. A person who thinks thus and shows mercy on other creatures is really a sa’dhu, or virtuous person.” (6)

O’ Parama Purusa,, O’ Supreme One, Your divine creation is very colorful. All kinds of people are there. Some get human life, do sadhana, and ultimately become one with divinity. And some people do various misdeeds and move along the path of negative pratisaincara until finally they get lost in oblivion – cimmerian darkness. Some want only You; while others do not want You, instead they want some boon or some gift from You. So this world is colorful.

O’ my Lord, some are rushing towards the allurements of glittering objects, shining stars, or superficial worldly attractions. And some are absorbed in crying over their old outdated memories, deserted flower gardens, and skeletons of the past. In that way they waste their time. While those who are great devotees have accepted You as the Supreme quintessence and they want only You.

Baba, O’ Divine Entity, some are busy in intellectualizing about Your karuna and grace – and they never get the real sweetness. Just they are jinanis involved in their own extravaganza. And some are dancing in the joy and happiness. Such devotees cannot be satiated by anything except You. You are everything for them. Those who surrendered at Your lotus feet they are the ones who pass their whole life dancing in the ecstasy of Your divine love.

Baba, Your entire creation has so many types of people and various colours. Only the life of the devotee is filled with happiness and bliss…

O’ Parama Purusa, O’ Baba, You are so gracious; You have come and opened all the doors and windows, and inundated this world with Your divine effulgence. O’ Baba, You are so gracious; You have taken advent and given the divine teaching of neo-humanism and Your universal philosophy. By this way, You have eradicated all dogma and narrow-mindedness. On the eastern horizon the crimson dawn is visible. The darkness has been dispelled. There is a brilliant new era on the rise. The statictiy of narrow-mindedness and misunderstanding is vanishing, by the propagation of Your neo-humanistic philosophy.

O’ Divine Entity, in the past there was the domination of dogma and groupism all around. Countless superstitions, rituals and dogmas were doing their naked dance. In the past there was a lot of division and narrow-minded people had the upper-hand. Now the era has changed.

Now, with the presence of Your divine effulgence, in the blink of an eye those creatures of darkness along with their dogmas dissolved into thin air. With the arrival of Ananda Marga philosophy and neo-humanism, the demons cannot spread their venom anymore – they have all been destroyed. O’ the Embodiment of effulgence and shelter of all, with Your affection and punishment, scorching heat and cool shade, Your love is vibrant. Irrespective in all these situations – good or bad – tough times or good times – Your grace emanates in various ways. You are always present with Your mood of causeless grace. O’ Parama Purusa, You have only one motive – to help jiivas. In Your divine liila, You create all kinds of events – good and bad – yet everywhere Your well-wishing is present. There is no other motive than the welfare of all. Baba, Your grace is always flowing and showering bliss…

== WHY SOME MARRIAGES FAIL IN AM ==

Namaskar,
Here are more points which I think will be helpful for understanding this entire issue of failed marriages.

BEWARE OF INTEREST GROUPS

1) One should be prudent – even skeptical, about receiving advice from stakeholders – ie sometimes even family margiis also carry a bias. For instance, let’s say that in their unit or bhukti, there is a girl or boy nearing 30 years of age and it is obvious that this person needs to get married soon. Then with the intention of supporting them, such people falsely praise that boy or girl up to the sky in order to attract an interested party. Under the notion of helping to marry that older boy or girl, some such people may say things that are not true. Out of sympathy they may say, “Oh he or she is very good and has always been exemplary in our community.” When in fact that is not at all true. Just they are saying like that in order to get that person married. Actually they want to help but what they are doing is not at all good. Encouraging false perceptions as will lead to a bad marriage – or the marriage may simply implode or break apart.

FINANCE

2) Finances play a big role in any household. So the boy and girl should have in-depth discussions and get to know each other’s lifestyle and views on money. Someone who wishes to live like a king or queen should not marry someone with a sadhu mentality, or vice-versa. There should be clarity on all financial matters including credit, debt, cash allowances etc. The expectations on points of finance should be very clear.

CHILDREN & EDUCATION

3) One of the most defining points of any marriage is child rearing. Ahead of time – before they marry – the boy and girl should discuss how they are going to raise their children. What values will they impose? How far will they goad their child into Ananda Marga way of life? How far will they go to never compromise with dogma? The child must be brought to the path of sadhana at any early age and encouraged in this practice wholeheartedly.

Is one going to let the child play always while the other parent tries to instill a sense of discipline toward spiritual life? Is one going to let the child eat garlic while the other wishes to raise the child on a sentient diet. There are so many points of possible contention.

One must also remember that those children will one day be teenagers. Will you raise a person who will be a slave of pseudo-culture. If so, that teenager may bring meat into your kitchen, alcohol into your study, and harsh, loud music into your sadhana room. If one parent emphasizes spiritual life and the other does not, there are going to be problems – many of them.

So this should be thoroughly discusses beforehand, lest you become a stranger in your own house where your own children have become like non-margiis. In that case, they and your spouse will form a majority vote in your own home. If you do not educate them about our AM way of life from their infancy, this is going to happen.

POINT OF AWARENESS

4) If the groom follows the Indian tradition that females should cook and do all sorts of house chores – if this is his preconceived notion – then it should be be discussed ahead of time.

Here I don’t want to debate the which role is proper or improper for the male and female in a marriage, only this is brought as a point of awareness and that discussion ahead of time is helpful.

Otherwise this might be the cause of a marriage break-up.

NATURE OF TRANSITORY WORLD

5) Here is another critical point that the boy and girl must review. They both must be educated about, as well as discuss, how this world is transitory. The beauty they both possess today will not last forever. At any time, they may lose much of that beauty. One might contract some terrible disease like diabetes or multiple sclerosis, or get involved in a road accident etc. So many things can happen. The boy and girl should be told about how this world is transitory; they must understand the impact of this. If anyone gets married based on external beauty that marriage will fall apart. We have seen this so many times. They should discuss with one another how they will treat and regard each other when they are sick, disabled or helpless. Because, after all, their youthfulness and beauty will not last forever. Hearing and seeing this, do they still want to get married.

ANANDA MARGA IDEOLOGY

6) The teachings of Ananda Marga have to be a central aspect of any margii marriage. Both boy and girl have to be of the mind-set that what Baba says on any given topic is the defining opinion.

It is not enough to renounce one’s caste and get married. Yes, we have to overcome all caste sentiments etc, but our Ananda Marga ideology encompasses all realms of existence.

Both have to be ready to follow Baba in each and every aspect of life. So when there is any disagreement between the husband and spouse, then the answer must be found in Baba’s guideline. And that must be accepted by both as final. This must be discussed ahead of time.

OATH

7) The boy and the girl should be ready to strictly follow the oath of our Ananda Marga marriage: To live like Shiva and Parvatii. This should be formally written down and both the boy and girl should be educated as to what that means and then sign that piece of paper as a veritable contract. This contract must be binding on each and every Ananda Marga marriage. One must be extremely careful and aware if their spouse will Ananda Marga way of life or not.

DO NOT RELY ON WTS FOR MATCH-MAKING

8) It is important to remember that Dadas must NOT act as a mediator for any Ananda Marga marriage. Invariably, Dadas will give preference to the family giving them more money. So if the boy is not interested in AM and drowned in pseudo-culture, that Dada will paint a false picture and say how the boy is spirited and meticulous in 16 pts. This may not happen every time – but certainly there is scope for such issues. It has happened in the past and must be avoided in the future. And the best way to avoid this in the future is not to involve Dadas.

Besides it is not good for our wholetimers to act as matchmakers. In that process some accidentally get themselves matched up and they leave their Wt ship. This also has happened.

Thus for everyone’s well being, no Wt should be actively involved in match-making. Rather Wts should refrain from match-making entirely. That is Baba’s rule.

TREMENDOUS BENEFIT

By making all of the above perfectly clear between the boy and girl before marriage, then so many misnomers, false perceptions, and bogus expectations will be washed away. The mind will be clear and pointed and one can truly decide whether to marry that person or not. Or should they marry someone else. This will have tremendous benefit in both the personal lives of those who wed as well as in the greater society. People will be successful and productive in their marriages and society will not be plagued by mis-matched marriages and divorce. Mis-matched marriages are commonly looked upon as normal to others, but those involved in that marriage suffer internally and feel like an alien in their own house. Children will not be left shelterless but rather empowered by having dedicated parents who live by a spiritual ideal. Then society can truly be done in the real spirit of the term.

POSITIVE OUTCOME

Some may complain that after reading this now no one will want to get married. They will argue that there are to many stipulations and it is an impossible endeavor. But theirs is not a well-reasoned approach.

We have to remember that when drugs were initially given as medicine then the side effects were never listed and patients were getting harmed. Finally the government intervened and demanded that all medical side effects must be stated. After this judgment, some were concerned that no one will take those medicines if companies are forced to list the side effects. Yet here we are years and decades later, and people still take those medicines and they are aware about the side effects so they can protect themselves. The end result is positive.

Similarly, if people are aware ahead of time about the difficulties of married life, they will be better off. Then they can properly prepare for getting married and select the right spouse and create an ideal family.

Finally, the main idea is that the entire institution of marriage cannot be stopped. It has been going on for thousands of years. It satisfies a basic human need. Thus listing the pitfalls of marriage is not going to deter anyone from getting married. Only it will fortify them with the requisite knowledge to make an educated decision.

NEGATIVE INFLUENCE

After all, we are living in a materialistic society, so what is going on all around affects us. Not only that, we live in world that is dominated by gross materialism where “love” marriages are the norm. Two people get attracted – give in to sensual desires – and then divorce when any problem comes or difficulty arises. Or they leave one another when their become infatuated with someone else.

We must not allow this disease to affect our Ananda Marga way of life. Rather we are to positively affect the greater society.

RESULT OF MIS-MATCHED MARRIAGE

Here Baba graphically points out the fate of those who suffer from mismatched marriages.

Baba says, “The spouse of a certain gentleman that I knew was quite ill-mannered. One winter evening I saw this gentleman sitting quietly at the foot of a tree. I asked him: “Why are you sitting under this tree on a winter evening? You’ll freeze.” He replied: “You know, my young friend, if I go in the house I’ll hear only khankhan jhanhan [unpleasant and disturbing sounds]. It’s a lot more peaceful out here.” (1)

VIVAHA

Baba has graciously given the perfect system for building a great human society. Marriage is one of the key elements. Every marriage within the Marga should be done only after thoughtful consideration. All should be very aware of what marriage means and they should know who they are marrying.

Baba says, “[Shiva] declared that women must be kalatra, which means that women must discharge their obligations to their husbands and their children in such a way that the latter will not have the least difficulty. Those who accepted this new arrangement were declared married…The Sanskrit equivalent for marriage is viváha (vi – vaha + ghaiṋ): it means, after the ceremony, the man and women can no longer live as libertines or as irresponsible so-called family people. They have to discharge their full obligations as bharttá and kalatra, responsible husband and responsible spouse…The liberal meaning of the term viváha is “live one’s life in a new way with a special type of responsibility.” This is the underlying significance of the Shaeva system of marriage.” (2)

The section below demarcated by asterisks is an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above letter. It stands on its own as a point of interest.
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Structural Defects May Be The Cause

There are all kinds of reasons why people may succumb to dogma. It may happen due to self-interest, cowardly nature, political gain etc. And here Baba points out how it may be due to defects in their physical structure. That may be why they cannot follow Baba.

Baba says, “If there is under-secretion of the hormones of the testes glands, a youth will develop less kindness, and less hair will grow in the armpits and pubic region. If you see a man with these physical characteristics, then and there you can come to a conclusion about the extent of his kindness. Moreover, such a person will most likely support dogma. He will not have the moral strength to protest against dogma (including scriptural dogma), and he will not support a new idea.” (Yoga Psychology)
**************************************

Intro to PS: In this song the devotee is innocently sharing his inner heart feeling about that most loving Entity, Parama Purusa. Yet, unbeknownst to him, the very Personality whom the devotee is communicating with is none other than Parama Purusa Himself. So that is the unique aspect of this song.

“A’ma’r gopan kathá jene niyeche” (PS 1272)

Purport:

My Parama Purusa is my most close and most dear; He is surrounding me in all the ways; I remain under His eternal shelter. He understands all the vibrations of my mind, all the feelings of my heart – all my secret tales. He knows me inside and out; He is aware about everything. He understands the pain and longing of my heart; He knows what is good for me and what is bad for me; what is for my welfare; and, what I should and should not do. All these things He understands well. Parama Purusa is my everything. My entire existence is within His mind. Everything is at His fingertips. He knows everything about me.

Whatever I try hide to from Him cannot remain hidden – ever; everything gets exposed. He is well aware about my secret tales. Whatever I think, He knows. Nothing can be hidden from Him. Everything is within His reach. He brings everything into the light of His awareness.

He resides in the depths of my heart. He saturates my soul with the sweetness of His mind. By remaining there, my whole being gets saturated by His divine presence. So He is my most dear One. In my inner-heart and inner-mind He whispers sweet, loving words into my ears.

Parama Purusa is living in my heart and He knows everything. Indeed He is more aware about my whole existence than I am myself. And He eternally guides me and keeps me under His loving care and shelter. In that way I am moving – I feel so blessed. I don’t wat anything but Him and Him alone…

**** End of Prabhat Samgiita and start of the first letter ****

== THE DOGMA STARTED BY COWARD AND OPPORTUNIST INTELLECTUALS ==

Namaskar,
One dogma has been started by certain individuals and that dogma must be removed from our Ananda Marga society.

NOT PRAISEWORTHY TO USE NON-SANSKRIT NAMES

As we have seen in the past that when Sanskrit names were introduced into our Ananda Marga society, then in the beginning many were feeling uncomfortable or reluctant to use their Sanskrit names in public. And some still today in their day to day worldly dealings do not like to use their Sanskrit name.

I think all this happened because of a weakness of the mind and lack of proper moral strength.

In His DMC discourse, Baba explains that those who suffer from such a weakness of mind due to materialism or other negative philosophies get such psychic complexes.

Baba says, “Those who are reared in the cradle of materialistic ideologies, feel shy or ashamed at first to sit in meditation in the presence of others.” (1)

Likewise, those who do not like to use their own Sanskrit name are not doing something great or praiseworthy etc. Rather their faulty manner is the expression of a weak mind. It is clear by Baba’s above guideline.

Pseudo-culture is such a prevalent thing, and using one’s non-Sanskrit name is a “gift” of pseudo-culture. In current times pseudo-culture permeates nearly every aspect of life, so sometimes it is hard to recognize it.

JUST A LITTLE COURAGE IS NEEDED

Also, 40-50 years ago in various countries, meditation or yoga asanas were looked upon as something very negative, like witchcraft. The general people were scared to practice – or at the very least embarrassed. But with the efforts of courageous people it became common and now yoga is well respected – indeed it is the latest rage; everyone is doing it. And all capitalist companies show people doing meditation in their advertisements. Similarly if we start using ‘Shrii’ before the name, then without any delay, it will become common and well-respected.

Just like we are follow many Sanskrit terms in our general talking style, and we are using those as we have become habituated to them. Such as the term jagrti, we do not call it a temple, mosque or church. Likewise we use the term Dharmacakra; we do not call it prayer or namaj or yajina.

And, we do not call AM a religion, rather we use the word dharma. Also we use ‘namaskar’ and not “Hi” or “hello” or namaste or Salaam Vale Kum. Or Ram Ram. Rather we use namaskar as our salutation–with folded hands not shaking hands.

All these dharmic approaches have been incorporated into our Ananda Marga way of life.

COWARDS FALL PREY TO PSEUDO-CULTURE

Similarly it is our duty as Ananda Margiis to not fall prey to pseudo-culture. The whole society is waiting for our guideline. Baba has given everything. Our duty is to first practice in our life, and then help to guide others and bring them in the proper path. Due to a lack of proper guidelines and due to faulty theories the whole society is moving in a confused state, misguided direction. We should not allow this to continue– nor introduce any negative ways.

Likewise, respect and reverence to Guru is not very common in present crude society. That’s why certain cowardly and opportunistic intellectuals don’t like to give reverence to Guru in their writing. They fail to preface Baba’s name with Shrii etc. Just in casual way, they refer to Baba as “P.R. Sarkar”. That is highly disrespectful.

HOW PSEUDO-CULTURE GETS SPREAD; HOW DOGMAS TAKE ROOT:

RICH PEOPLE IMPOSE THEIR DEGRADED STYLES OF ART AND DANCE ON OTHER SOCIETIES

In His ‘Exploitation and Pseudo-Culture’ chapter of Neo-Humanism, Baba explains that via the medium of theatre & cinema, rich people impose their low and degraded styles of art and dance on other societies. And because of their inferiority complex, innocent people start copying that and fall into pseudo-culture. Unfortunately they adopt it quickly. And even worse is that they feel honored. It is such a pity that they leave their beautiful customs and culture and adopt pseudo-culture and feel glorified by that. This problem is rampant these days.

This very stage is very detrimental. Those whose backbone is broken by the heavy weight of pseudo-culture are a burden and cannot do anything.

Baba says, “If their cultural backbone is broken, then all their struggles will end in nothing–like offering clarified butter to a sacrificial fire which has been reduced to ashes. If one’s spine is shattered, it is impossible to hold one’s head erect. Can those whose necks and backs are crushed under the weight of pseudo-culture, be expected to hold their heads high in any sphere of life?” (2)

Unfortunately some in our Ananda Marga have fallen into this position.

Here we should remember that Baba has taught us that in our Ananda Marga culture we are to use ‘Shrii’ before the name. This is the given system.

Unfortunately, some of are obsessed with various dogma and with that psychic disease they don’t want to leave that tradition which is going on in outdated local social ethics. Because of this, in a growing number of countries, usually a few people don’t understand the value of the term “Shrii” writing before the name.

WE ARE THEN RESPONSIBLE FOR REFERRING TO BABA IN THE PROPER WAY

The divine and auspicious advent of Taraka Brahma onto the planet is one holy and magnificent event. In the entire world population, only Ananda Margiis are aware about His great arrival. As His disciples, we are then responsible for referring to Baba in the proper way – using the proper name according to our Ananda Marga system. And by this approach the entire globe will learn correctly what to do.

When anybody opens the book of our Prout series, they see Baba’s photo. If one looks carefully at that photo, they will notice Baba’s signature is witten in Bengali. In His own writing, it is clearly written: “Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar”. This is Baba’s pristine example. By this way, anyone can understand that Baba is the writer, and His full name is Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar. Not just ‘P.R. Sarkar’.

Unfortunately, some cowards intellectuals do not ahere to Baba’s system.

SHRII IS THE FOURTH ATTRIBUTION OF THE LORD

As we know our Baba – Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji – is not only Bhagawan, but furthermore He is Taraka Brahma.

While explaining the term Bhagawan, Baba has told that the Personality who has bhaga is called Bhagawan. And the term Bhaga means the collection of six attributes. These attributes are: (1) Aeshvara, (2) Viryam, (3) Yasa, (4) Shrii, (5) Jinanam, and (6) Vairagya. In ‘Jaeva Dharma and Bhagavata Dharma’ reveals this fact.

We can see then that bhaga is just the collection of six attributes or qualities. And one of the qualities is ‘Shrii’. Indeed, ‘Shrii’ is the 4th attribution of the Lord. And the meaning of Shrii is “attraction” or “charm”.

That is why we have always seen that Baba uses the term ‘Shrii’ before His name. Two times. While writing His name He writes Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, not just Anandamurtiji or Shrii Anandamurtiji. He prefers Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji. Or double ‘Shrii’ before His name.

And it is our duty as disciples to follow His guideline – to follow Baba’s example.

Thus we must emulate His given system and use the preface Baba’s names with ‘Shrii”: Such as Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji or Shrii PR Sarkar, whichever is needed.

BLUNDER DOES A LOT OF DAMAGE

MUST USE “SHRII” OR “SHRII SHRII”

The mention of Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar without putting “Shrii” in front is most disrespect to our Guru Baba, who is Taraka Brahma. And the mention of Anandamurti without using the preface “Shrii Shrii” is equally disrespectful, and an equal blunder.

Some persons may be imagining this is just a “small thing”. For those who may be thinking in this misguided fashion, please consider these following examples:

Suppose, for instance, if one is walking in a dry, dirty area, and gets covered with dust. That may not be bothersome to the person. But if one tiny grain of dust gets in the eye. Then it will be a big problem. So something small may create chaos. Depending upon how critical it is.

Suppose someone puts their shoes on their head instead of on their feet. It may seem like a small mistake, but it will create a big problem.

Suppose a person tries to walk upside down, with their head on the ground. This may seem like a simple thing, but it will create huge difficulties.

Or suppose if someone cuts off their nose. The nose may be something small, but cutting off the nose will derange their entire face.

So by these above examples it becomes clear that “small things” can create huge errors and much harm. And as such one can hardly call those things as small, inconsequential errors. Rather they become serious problems which need to be addressed and corrected.

Now let’s apply this to Baba’s appellation.

Two of the seven ‘Secrets of Success’ are:

(1) Shraddha’ (deep reverence for the Goal (Ista); and
(2) Guru Puja, (respectful offering and surrender to the Guru).

So these are two of the Secrets of Success which Baba Himself highlights in so many discourses. So see then how essential it is to have deep reverence for the Guru. And to express that properly. And in Ananda Marga that is our way – to give maximum regard to BABA, Lord Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, the Granter of salvation.

So consider that something supposedly small like putting “Shrii” before Baba’s name, it has tremendous importance. And not doing so creates huge negativity by its being most extremely disrespectful to that divine Entity.

TRUE FOLLOWERS ALWAYS SHOW RESPECT

BUT NEGATIVE HABIT OF OUR SOME COWARD AND OPPORTUNISTIC INTELLECTUAL “WRITERS” IS OPPOSITE

In all spheres of life people give maximum reverence and high regard to those whom they revere.

For example when the pope or Dalai Lama are introduced then words like “his high holiness”, “revered one”, and “divine being” are used. Their followers will always do like this.

The devotees of Ramakrsna, Yogananda and Vivekananda always use Swamiji or Thakur and then they close with Paramahansa. These titles show great respect and reverence.

Likewise the laukik name of Nima’i is not so impressive sounding that is why followers refer to their saint as Caetanya Mahaprabhu.

Even when worldly leaders are introduced, then always proper due reference is given. They are known as “Mr President”, or “Mrs Prime Minister”, or whatever their respected title may be.

Hence it is quite common to publicly revere leaders – whether they be a leader of a church, state, or mission.

By this way, the rest of the world knows that that person is a respected one. People may or may not be catholic, but because those catholics revere the pope up to the sky, then everyone on this earth feels that the pope is someone of great stature and import. Same is the case with the Dalai Lama, Ramakrsna, and the leaders of various countries.

In contrast, if their own followers do not give them reverence on the public stage, then the rest of the world will automatically think that that so-called leader is not so great – rather he is just a second rate individual, or worse than that.

Hence, it is extremely important for one to give great reverence to those whom they revere.

Unfortunately some of our most “prolific” writers in AM nowadays have fallen into the extremely negative habit of just writing ‘PR Sarkar’– and in some cases they just write ‘Sarkar’. By quickly surveying the books, articles, and emails of “writers” then we can see this unfortunate form of expression.

Not only that, such WT writers and publishers in Ananda Marga who write about Baba refer to themselves as Ac Abc-Ananda Avt, yet when publice refer to Baba they write “PR Sarkar” or just “Sarkar”. Such Wts are shameless. They are keen to honour themselves and quick to dishonour Baba.

And overall this has a negative effect across the entire society.

Because then non-margii writers adopt this same ungainly approach and they just write ‘PR Sarkar’. Whereas if such mundane writers were aware that our “top” writers and margiis always respectfully refer to Revered Baba as ‘Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar’ or ‘Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji’ then they would get a good teaching and follow our example.

It is just like how mundane or non-British reporters always refer to Queen Elizabeth using the title “Queen”, and they always refer to Prince Charles using the reference of ‘Prince’. Never do they just write “Elizabeth” or “Liz”, or “Charles” or “Charlie”. And if they did then the public would object. Because everyone has become taught and trained that “Queen Elizabeth” and ‘Prince Charles’ are the proper ways.

Likewise, Catholics address their leader as His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. The Pope’s worldly name is Joseph Alois Ratzinger, but no Catholic would ever consider calling the Pope, “Joey”. That would be a terrible display of disrespect. No Catholic could ever imagine doing that. Rather, they refer to him as His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. And by this way they teach others to do the same. Lay people, heads of state, newspaper reporters, indeed everyone refers to the Pope in a most respectful way. All because that is the tone and address used by the Pope’s chief followers, i.e. catholics.

Although we are not trying to emulate the British monarchy nor the Catholic Church etc, but this particular point is meaningful. The idea being that if we ourselves are perfectly consistent in always giving proper reference to Baba as ‘Shrii PR Sarkar’ or ‘Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji’ then people of the general society will also follow suit. It will become natural for them. And that will be the proper way to introduce non-sadhakas to Baba as well as the proper way for Ananda Margiis to refer to the social and spiritual names– Shrii PR Sarkar & Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji, respectively– of our Revered Guru.

IT COULD BE ANYBODY

One related key point is that PR Sarkar could refer to Pramod Rai Sarkar, Paramatma Ram Sakar, Prabhu Rsi Sarkar or countless other names. So in addition to using Shrii, we should always employ the full form of Baba’s name, i.e. Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar.

Along these lines there is one famous story.

When the police came to arrest Baba, they arrived with an arrest warrant that said “PR Sarkar”. Baba refused to recognise the warrant as being legitmate. He said, “That is not my name; that warrant could be for so many other people whose initials are PR.” On this point, the police accepted defeat so they left without Baba and came back with a new warrant that stated Baba’s complete name.

So we should always employ His full name – Shrii Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar – when referencing Him in any way.

DON’T DISPLEASE BABA

Casual and crude way of referring to Sadguru is not only objectionable but absolutely abominable. Nobody should do such sin. In the scripture it is said, “Shive rusto…” The meaning is that if Guru is displeased, then nobody can save that person. Reverence and pleasing Guru is very important. To do this, Baba taught us many things including how to address Parama Purusa, Mahasambhuti, Taraka Brahma.

To teach us Baba has given very clear example while writing the books about Shiva and Krsna. The names of these two books themselves are very honorable and respectful.

For example Lord Shiva’s book is “Namah Shivaya Shantaya”. And the meaning is, “Salutations to Lord Shiva who is the Ever-Tranquil Divine Entity.” And similar way about Lord Krsna Baba has titled the book as “Namami Krsna Sundaram”. That is, “Salutations to Lord Krsna Who is the Ever Beautiful and Charming Divine Entity”.

By this way Baba has given one glorious example. And the motive was only to teach us, how we should address Guru. He does not address Lord Shiva and Lord Krsna in a casual manner.

So when we refer to Baba it should be done in the most reverential and respectful terms.

MUST FOLLOW BABA’S SYSTEM

It is Baba’s system that He prefers that His name should prefixed with Shrii. That’s why He signs in this way. As His disciples we should address Him in the way in which He prefers most.

BABA’S RELATED TEACHINGS

“Shrii: That special quality which attracts everyone in one direction, the “one” of that attractive power, is said to have shrii. It is also called shriipati (tirupati). In other words, shrii means “the power of attraction” or “charm” or “fascination”.” (4)

“Shrii: Sha is the acoustic root of rajoguńa [the mutative principle] and the ra of energy. When people plunge headlong into the field of action with all the rajas [mutative force] at their disposal, and backed by this stored-up energy take to karma yoga, that is, when they take up the challenge with all the inherent force and vigour of their personality, we say that sha and ra are well-blended in them. So sha + ra = shra. The word is in the feminine gender, so it becomes shrii when suffixed by uniiś. Shrii means the power of attraction – a unique combination of mutative lustre and inner vitality. All human beings covet this rare quality, shrii, so even those who are devoid of shrii like to prefix their names with shrii.” (5)

“Next is ra, which is the acoustic root of energy. We have spoken earlier about energy. In Sanskrit, indra means energy – for example, light, sound, electricity. Where sha, that is, the rajoguńii vrtti [propensity], and ra, that is, energy, are both present, success is assured. Many may have a mind to do something, but do not have the requisite capability to do so. The desire is there, but no effective skill. Obviously, ra is absent here. Where both sha and ra are present we get shra, and adding the feminine uniiśa gives shrii.” (6)

“You must have seen objects that instantly draw your attention. That means the particular object has an attractive force within it. There are some people who are not particularly learned or intelligent; nor are they adept at public speaking; but they are very good conversationalists. People gather round them eagerly to enjoy their pleasantries. That too is a kind of shrii. There are people who are not conversant with the intricacies of music, but they sing so melodiously that others rush to listen to them. That is the person’s musical shrii. Hence that singer may be honoured with the title giitáshrii. One who possesses this quality of shrii, this charm, this fascinating faculty, is said to have the fourth quality of bhaga.” (7)

“One of the names of Parama Puruśa is Shriinivása. Here the Saḿskrta word shrii means “the most charming personality.” The word shrii is derived from sha + ra + uniiś. Sha is the acoustic root of the mutative principle and ra is the acoustic root of energy. With the help of these two things, sha plus ra, human beings are moving, dancing, speaking and doing so many things. Obviously they need sha and ra very much. The supreme abode of this shrii is Parama Puruśa: hence He is affectionately called Shriinivása. To Him only all the living beings will return, either today or tomorrow. That is the supreme abode of bliss, the supreme culminating point – ánandadháma…parágati.” (8)

“You will hear many a vain and assuming person say, “I don’t need anyone’s help, I’m doing very well by myself. I don’t want to concern myself with anyone else’s affairs and I don’t expect anyone else to bother about mine.” Nothing could be more foolish than this statement. Medicine and nursing are necessary to cure diseases; the neighbours’ help is needed to cremate a dead body; and for the regular supply of food and cloth the cooperation of farmers and spinners is essential. Remember, no created being in this universe is independent. No one can exist alone, everyone has a supra-cosmic relationship with the whole, at times prominent, at times indistinguishable. In this scheme of mutual relationships, even the slightest mistake or discord will raise a furious furore in the universe. In this mighty creation, the brilliantly luminous sun and the tiny ant have the same existential value, having combined together to make the universal family. Similarly, in human society, the importance of a powerful and eminent person is no less than that of a disabled and dying patient. None can be ignored. The least injustice done to anyone will cause the break down of the entire social framework.”
(A Few Problems Solved Part 6, The Spirit of Society)
******************************************

Namaskar,
This story was recounted in one seminar & was told by one very respected margii of Purnea, Pradumanji.

“When I [Praduman] was a student at Ranchi University, my subject in research was archeology and anthropology. One American professor was my mentor and research supervisor. I was going to Muri – an area near Ananda Nagar – and visiting local people. My professor inspired me to do field research in the native villages of Muri, an area inhabited by dark, brown native people.”

“My research professor gave me some advice: ‘If you eat with them what they eat, and drink what they drink, then they will feel close with you and you can get all the information and answers you need. Your research work will be successful’.”

“So for the sake of my research, I adjusted with all types of tamasika things.”

“Sitting along with local people I started drinking country wine Handiya’. It is twenty times stronger than factory wine. Plus I was eating meat.”

(Note: Due to that wine, sometimes mass poisoning occurred in the village, and many people died. But Baba saved me.)

“Not only was I drinking wine and eating meat, but I was going hunting also. When I was eating with them, sometimes they served three days old sour rice. It had been lying around and became fermented – just tamasik. This also became my habit. All these things I did for the sake of my research.”

“After some time, Baba came to Ranchi. My friends pulled me and I reached there. Actually I did not wish to go; I was content where I was.”

“Those days I was sometimes thinking that what I was doing was alright, i.e. living alongside the native people and adopting their ways in order to study them. But other times I was thinking it is not good.”

“When I reached to Ranchi to see Baba, sure enough Baba condemned me in the presence of all, for living tamasik life and leaving the sentient life of the Ananda Marga on the excuse of research.”

“Baba punished me. Furthermore He told me that it was utterly foolish to think that, ‘If one thinks that in order to treat the blind then one must first become blind themselves’.”

“That means, if you are dealing with non-margiis and you behave like a non-margii, then that is not proper. The point being to win over the dark, one must not bring more darkness. Rather light is needed. And that light is Ananda Marga Ideology.”

Pradumanji concluded, “And after getting punishment directly from Baba on my sin of eating tamasika things, I repented and left all those degenerating and ungainly habits.”

MEANING OF THE STORY

This story teaches us that every margii should be strict in 16 points, regardless of the situation.

The above story is also related with doing proper pracar. Specifically, when we are preaching dharmic ideas, then we must not have an iota of dogma. Otherwise in one sphere we are putting light, and the other sphere we are bringing darkness.

We know that Ananda Marga Ideology is for all around development. And that means the practice of Bhagavata dharma. So on dharmic points a little slackness is not good. Baba says:

‘Dharma raksati raksitah’.

Meaning: Those who protect dharma, dharma saves them.

WHAT SOME DO

Some persons who are not very strict margiis think: ‘Anyway, what to do this is the present society – I should adjust’. And in that way they compromise with various practices of dharma in the name of adjustment. and compromise. In the name of adjustment they indulge in self-cheating tactics by skipping their dharmic practices.

This is not only the case with a few simple margiis – some Wts are also like that. Indeed a few even openly preach about their “adjustments.” And they justify that: ‘This is the material world and if we will not adjust then how will we survive’.

For instance, take the case of food. In their own place they are strict in following Ananda Marga practices, but when they go to a friend’s house or new people’s homes, then they feel shy and they do not say anything. To keep the relation they end up eating certain tamasika items. Indeed this is a common occurrence that I have personally witnessed, from time to time.

SHAOCA

Then there are those who compromise their principles and thereby support various dogmas in this manner.

Some just become very ‘relaxed’ in following various do’s and don’ts. For instance: They may not carry a shaoca manjusa with them when leaving the house. And when out they do not ask for water. They do not give proper care, just like in many ‘developed’ countries where water is not used to clean after bowel movements. So some persons, Wts included, just follow the law of the land and forgo using water. Unfortunately this all gets done in the name of “adjustment”, being lax in following dharma.

But our manner should be to maintain vigilance and strictness in following to dharmic principles always.

There are numerous other ways in which this type of justification, compromise, and adjustment happens.

Take the case of asanas. Some may be strict when in the house. But when out of their own environment, then in the name of adjustment they skip their asana practice. This happens when visiting others’ houses, and even this is quite commonplace at some of our Ananda Marga retreats. Whereby for one reason or another, some persons avoid doing their asanas. And if they see others doing asanas they ridicule and tease them. This is even worse. But they do this to cover up their own defiency. They put down and tease those who are sincere in doing asana and following Sixteen Points.

Unfortunately these are common occurrences by some people. But on points of dharma we should be very strict in all circumstances. And that is what Baba is teaching in the above story about margii Pradumanji. Pradhumanji compromised when living with those villagers by adopting non-sentient life practices. For that, Baba lovingly rebuked him to bring Praduman back to the path of dharma. From that day forward, Pradumanji understood well not to compromise on points of dharma.

BABA’S MANDATE

Here following is Baba’s mandate. One should not wait for that glorious day to follow dharma – rather it should be followed always.

“If one thinks that they will only follow dharma in some big events, and not in small ones, then those big events may not ever come in their entire life. It may be that in their whole life, besides their birth and death, not a single big event happens. Yet at the time of birth how can one protect dharma. At that time one is just a small infant and cannot do anything. That infant is totally unaware about the events going on around them. Then how can they protect dharma. And at the time of death, a person is senseless. In that case also how can they protect dharma. For this reason, dharma should be protected always. In small and big ways– even in jokes and humor dharma should be protected. Those who protect dharma, dharma protects them: Dharma raksati raksitah.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 32 (H), p.86-7)

Brotherly yours,
In Him,
Dayamaya

Note 1: MUST BE STRICT IN FOLLOWING DHARMA

(A) Here following are some of Baba’s mandates in following dharma at all times and never compromising on our Ananda Marga ideals.

“Dharma is the highest goal of all living beings.” So under no circumstances should one’s own dharma be discarded. Wherever the question of dharma is concerned, no compromise should be made with anything that goes against dharma. To move ahead with undaunted spirit to the final destination, the Supreme Goal, is human dharma.” (Discourses on the Giita, Svadharma and Paradharma – 2)

(D) The following teaching is from Baba’s Ananda Vanii collection.

“…In order to march ahead on the road of human welfare, we will have to strengthen ourselves in all the arena of life. The complete seeds of welfare in all the spheres – physical, mental, moral, social and spiritual – are embedded in the sixteen points. Hence be firm on the sixteen points. (Ananda Vanii #45)

(E) Baba says, “The person will welcome that death rather than compromise with sin and vice. Therefore keep in mind that those who are genuine devotees, sádhakas of high order, loved by Parama Puruśa and closely bound to Parama Puruśa in love and affection, will never compromise with sin and vice. They will cling to their ideal totally, throughout their lives.” (Discourses on Krsna and the Giita, Svadharma and Paradharma – 3)

(F) Baba says, “When the attraction is to something limited, it is called ásakti, and when the attraction is to the Supreme, it is devotion, bhakti. There is no compromise, no meeting point, between ásakti and bhakti, between attraction to the Supreme and attraction to the objects of the world. In ásakti, the feeling is that I get the object. In bhakti, the feeling is that I merge myself in Him. Where there is no desire, there the Lord lives. The Lord and the desire for the world, like the sun and the night, cannot coexist.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 23, The Bliss of the Devotee)

(G) Baba says, “Even if the practice of Bhágavata dharma brings pain and sorrow and the practice of paradharma (that is to say, the dharma of animals and plants) brings pleasure, humans will have to stick firmly to their svadharma, their mánava dharma. Humans should never allow themselves to descend to paradharma, the dharma of birds and beasts, of trees and plants. On no account should animal dharma be encouraged. The flag of mánava dharma must always be held high under all circumstances. This is exactly what Shrii Krśńa means when He says: Svadharme nidhanaḿ shreyah paradharmo bhayávahah – “It would be better to die upholding human dharma, upholding the ideal of humanity; one should never allow oneself to fall back into a state of animality.” (Discourses on Krsna & The Giita, “Better to Die . . .” – 2)

(H) Baba says, “Human beings have come onto this earth only to follow Bhágavata dharma, and not for any purpose. You have many tasks to perform: whatever you do, you should always feel that all your actions are part of Bhágavata dharma. Wherever you are, you must do something to remove the poverty and distress of the people in that area, to ameliorate their socio-economic condition. But even while discharging your duties thus, you should always remember that whatever you are doing is not a mundane duty it is an inseparable part of your Bhágavata dharma.” (Subhasita Samgraha – 12, Ádarsha and Iśt́a)

(I) Baba says, “You have learnt a well-ordered system of meditation and other spiritual practices based on dharma. If any individuals or groups, however powerful they may be, try to suppress you or even succeed in suppressing you, they are bound to be destroyed. History has witnessed many such a downfall in the past. No one has ever been victorious or will ever be victorious by opposing dharma. March ahead with your own strength, march with firm steps and your head held high. Always remember that when dharma is with you, whoever will oppose you will be razed to the ground – their destruction is a must.” (Ananda Vacanamrtam – 23, Opposition to Dharma Will Certainly Invite Destruction)

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Uttal sindhu utkrami tumi, esechilo mor ghare…” PS (1077)

Purport:

Baba, after crossing the wild tidal wave, You have come into my heart – You have come to my home. Baba, You are traveler of the solitary path. Even
after encountering so many negative situations, You did not get overcome with fear. You did not get scared; nothing could terrify You.

According to the basic necessity or protocol, I did not have any of the necessary arrangements, so I could not receive You properly. My grief-stricken mind was full of longing for You, and my heavy heart was saturated with the tears.

Baba, I have not done anything for You. In vain I was just revolving around mirages. With the new sun and strong call, holding my hand You showed me the direction – You graced me by taking me onto the right path.

Baba, You have come into my heart; it is nothing but Your divine mercy & grace…

Namaskar,
Hindus think that brahamcarya means “celibacy”, when in in our Ananda Marga it means ensconcing oneself in Godhood. That is the dharmic understanding as given by Baba. This type of example is not unique; there are countless such cases.

As we know, Ananda Marga philosophy has its own vocabulary: Words carry a pointed dharmic meaning given by Baba Himself which is different from the general understanding of the common public and the various religions.

THE TERM AVATAR

For example, take the term avatar. Here are three different definitions:

1) The dogmatic Hindus believe that an avatar is a divine being that has descended from heaven onto earth.

2) Next, there is the pseudo-culture / video gaming definition of avatar, wherein an avatar is the creation of a character (as in a computer game) that represents and is manipulated by a computer user.

3) Finally in Ananda Marga, the term avatar refers to every created entity in this universe.

Baba says, “The fundamental stuff of the universe has emerged from Parama Purus’a; hence all objects, big and small, are the sambhu’tis of Parama Purus’a… When Parama Purus’a is manifested in some physical object, that physical object is called the avata’ra of Parama Purus’a.” (Ananda Marga Ideology & Way of Life – 10)

Thus the Ananda Marga definition of avatara is dramatically different from that of the dogmatic religions and pseudo-culture venues.

ABOUT THE TERM TANDAVA

Now let’s investigate another term: Tandava.

The Hindu community thinks that tandava means destruction. In Indian newspapers, if they are describing some village that caught fire wherein the houses burned to ashes, then they say that it was tandava of fire.

So Hindus commonly use it in this way: “Tandava depicts Shiva’s violent nature as the destroyer of the universe.”

The general Indian society also adheres to this meaning. Hence when destruction comes in the form of fire, the loss of blood, or an earthquake etc, then people use the term tandava, i.e. the tandava dance of destruction was going on.

But we know that this is not the true meaning of tandava.

In Ananda Marga, tandava is the name of one dynamic and tantric dance which Lord Shiva invented. All margiis practice this dance. So we use the term tandava in a very positive way: As one of the great gifts of Lord Shiva.

If in our Ananda Marga magazine or newspaper it is reported that margiis were doing tandava, it does not mean that margiis were killing, destroying or engaging in arson etc. Because for us tandava is something quite beneficial and positive. It is our duty to propagate this ideal to all.

Thus when we use the term tandava we should not use it as dogmatic Hindus do: They think that tandava means obliteration, destruction or disaster. Even in the newspapers, they will say that the dance of tandava of fire – or the first is dancing tandanva – happened if a huge blaze burned down an entire city.

As Ananda Margiis, we are not to be drawn in to such dogmatic ideas.

DADAJI’S BOOK

Unfortunately, in his book, “Mere Rahasyamay Baba” (2010, Hindi) – which translates as “My Mysterious Baba” – Dada Keshavanandji also uses the tandava term to mean destruction. When talking about the Emergency period during the 1970’s, Dadaji uses tandava as a destructive force. He says things like: During the destruction of Emergency period, the dance of tandava was going on and everything was destroyed.

In this manner, Dadaji has drifted and adopted the dogmatic Hindu meaning of the term tandava. To be fair, Dadaji uses the tandava term twice in his book: one time properly (dharmic) and one time improperly (dogmatic). When describing the Emergency period, Dada uses the tandava term in that latter dogmatic way.

OTHER MISTAKES IN DADAJI’S BOOK

Throughout the book, there are numerous small mistakes and some really big errors as well. Perhaps the most problematic story is chapter 41 (p. 46 – 48) titled “Ramchij Do Bar Mara'”, or “Ramchij Dies Twice”. Someone should really come forward and correct this chapter / story. Bacause there Dadaji misunderstood Baba’s view entirely. All in all, this book need to be updated and made proper. Once all the mistakes are corrected, it can be translated into various languages and shared with margiis around the globe. But first, all corrections should made done, checked, and re-checked. To publish a Baba story book that goes astray is not at all good.

BABA’S BLESSING

As His PA (Personal Assistant), Dada Keshavanandji was given so much time with Baba. So Dadaji should recount some of his experiences – just we need to correct his errors and misundertandings so that all the words, terms, and stories properly reflect Baba’s ideals. Each story should be focused, flawless, and not at all haphazard, murky, or misleading. Each story should give neatly reflect Baba’s and teachings.

Namaskar,
Naval

Note 1: ABOUT THE TANDAVA DANCE

Here Baba below Baba talks about the meaning of the tandava dance. By His explanation it is quite clear that the tandava dance is not about destruction but rather life itself.

Baba says, “Now the fundamentality, or rather the primordial phase of Oriental dance, is táńd́ava. It is not a very easy job either. The knees must cross the navel. When they cross the navel it is called Brahma táńd́ava. When they cross the anáhata [mid-point of the chest] it is called Viśńu táńd́ava. When they cross this portion [indicates the throat], it is called Rudra táńd́ava. It is very difficult to dance Rudra táńd́ava. It requires long practice.

That is why Lord Sadáshiva is known as Nat́arája. And when these boys [indicates them] were dancing, it was just like a picture of Nat́arája in táńd́ava mudrá. It is called táńd́ava; táńd́ava is a mudrá.

Why is it called táńd́ava? In Sanskrit tańd́ means “to jump”. Tańd́u means “of jumping habit”. Táńd́ava means “having the use of tańd́u, the use of jumping”. But jumping in the proper style, not in a disorderly manner. You should learn it properly in a disciplined way.

And táńd́ava represents life; you know Tantra is a cult of life, it is not a cult of death. For Tantra you should be strong physically, mentally and spiritually. First in the present tense; Lord Shiva says all your expressions, all your manifestations, must be based on the present tense. So this táńd́ava is the starting phase of Tantra.

This táńd́ava I said represents life, it represents vitality. There are so many forces that want to destroy you, so many forces forces that are inimical to you by nature. Say a snake – a snake is a born enemy. There are many such born enemies. As Tantra represents life, táńd́ava says that one’s spirit should be based on vitality, based on the principle of survival.

This human skull represents death. You are surrounded by death, but you must not be defeated, you must not develop the psychology of fear or defeatism. So the knife is with you to fight against death.(1) Yours is a fight for survival. In the daytime one may also use a snake to represent death – not an ordinary snake, but a venomous snake. In India our boys dance with a snake. But at nighttime neither a skull nor a snake will be visible. Here there is light, they will be visible, but in a burial ground, in a cremation ground, where there is darkness, a snake or skull will not be visible. There you may use fire to represent death.

This is the spirit of Tantra. To fight, to fight for survival. [[It is the normal wont of all living beings to fight for survival.]] It is normal life moving towards the supreme state of abnormality.

Baba, O’ my Dearmost, Your divine fountain of Prabhat Samgiita is flowing eternally, completely independent of the normal cycle of time. Your blissful songs flow according to their own schedule, according to their own routine – not caring about day or night, summer or winter. The divine flow and sweet melody of Your Prabhat Samgiita is dancing on the jagged path. They lead one towards that vast Cosmic Ocean – towards the fountain of effulgence, towards You Baba…

Baba says, “If someone makes a sound like ‘ra, ra, ra — cha, cha, cha’ or if someone sings, ‘Follow my song. Let us sing and dance our way to hell’, these are sound inferences, but they carry a very crude idea.” (Microvita in a Nutshell, p. 94)

We should not let such scenes unfold in our own Ananda Marga cultural programs. Yet, that is what Mr Pathak and Ac Acintanandji (cultural program in-charge) are doing.

My reply:

Agreed! We should be keen to pay heed to Baba’s warning. And from what I see and hear, the vast majority of workers and margiis have this sincere desire.

Unfortunately, along the way, a few say that these cultural programs at DMS are going fine. Internally such persons (even wholetimers) flash a lustful smile as they think, “let the females sing & dance”, and externally they come up with a much more cunning justification. They utter the words, “See the bright side.”

Those Wts dominated by a metazoic mind or animalistic propensities justify that we should “see the bright side”. How do they do this? Well they say, “Look, this program is using sutras from Ananda Sutram or this program features Prabhat Samgiita – just focus on that – and do not worry about the rest.” Yet such workers themselves are wholly focused on how the women are shaking themselves and dancing.

Such Wts should do self-analysis and seriously consider Baba’s below mandate.

Baba says, “…Avadhuta shall not engage his ears in any obscene language or songs, touch any tamasik articles, see any depraving entity or pictures, go through any story, novel or fiction having even the least bit of sexual importance…” (32 Rules for Avadhuta, Rule #32)

With an honest, open heart all should consider the above. Even then there will be some who do not have the courage on this matter and they hide behind the “bright side” justification.

These are the same type of workers who “see bright side” of eating in a restaurant by picking out the onions and garlic from the meal and then eat the rest of the food as they “see the bright side.” When in truth, that entire meal has become tamasik after being stewed and stirred for hours with onions and garlic – and maybe even meat.

(Note: This is the tenth letter on this thread. Please find links to the nine earlier letters below. – Eds)

Namaskar,

Brother Divyam’shu wrote:

The fact is that Mr Pathak’s dance programs are strongly influenced by Bollywood sensuality [mature girls exposing their bellies etc]. As a performance director, he takes all his cues from the materialistic movie / fashion industry. That is why there is so much pseudo-culture in his dance productions that are done under the banner of Rawa. So how could a highly posted Dada like Acintanandji think that Pathakji is establishing dharma? Dadaji’s analysis is quite disturbing.

My reply:

Exactly- if this happened in May DMS, it should be rectified as early as possible. This is not only the fault of Mr. Pathak. Besuse if Mr. Pathak was using this type of dance pattern then it should be controlled by RAWA incharge Dada – Ac Acintanandji Avt.

Mr.Pathak is a very young chap so maybe he is just confused about RAWA’s system given by BABA; in contrast, in-charge Dada Acintanandji should have full awareness of the platform of RAWA and hence Dada controll any and all programs performed through RAWA.

All programs should be passed and reviewed by the RAWA dept. or advisory committee of RAWA dept. before being presented in the public forum.

Indeed, the in-charge of each & every dept. of AMPS should have proper knowledge of the events and programs of his dept. Otherwise we will have to face this type of blunder on a regular basis.